Role Purpose
As a Powertrain / Battery Management Engineer at Manna, you will lead the design, testing, and optimisation of our drone power systems — with a strong focus on battery management, energy modelling, and performance efficiency. Reporting to the Head of Electronics. You’ll play a critical role in transitioning to new battery chemistries and ensuring safe, reliable, and scalable powertrain performance across all operational regions
Key responsibilities of the role
Manage all UAV battery-related activities across multiple geographies and environments (UAE, USA, Finland, Ireland)
Design and maintain battery ground tests and commissioning systems, ensuring repeatability and safety.
Conduct energy modelling and simulation (MATLAB/Simulink) to optimize energy use to maximise flight time and range.
Provide technical leadership in areas of cell balancing & management, thermal management, SOH/lifetime optimisation, powertrain efficiency, and EMI/EMC compliance.
Support the transition to a new safer, higher energy-density chemistries, including planning and executing comprehensive test campaigns.
Collaborate with the Electronic Engineering team on development and integration of Battery Management Systems (BMS) across multiple UAV platforms.
Build battery commissioning and validation processes for production readiness.
Define best practices for safe charging, discharging, and lifetime management of battery packs.
Manage and develop strategic partnerships with key vendors to ensure supply chain reliability and technical quality at scale.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Electronic, Mechanical, and Manufacturing teams to enhance powertrain integration.
Skills & Education
Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, Power, or Mechatronic Engineering (or related field).
Strong knowledge and proven track record of battery chemistry and battery management systems (BMS) — including SOC/SOH monitoring, cell balancing, voltage/current protection, and thermal control.
Hands-on experience with Lithium-ion chemistries (NMC, LCO, LiPo).
Proficiency in performing and automating battery test procedures (capacity, energy, SOC/SOH, internal resistance (AC/DC), thermal).
Expertise in energy modelling using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent simulation tools.
Familiarity with smart charging infrastructure, swappable packs, and power distribution systems.
Experience with thermal management, EMI control, and inrush protection design principles.
Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and cross-functional communication skills.
Team player, experience working in a fast-paced environment
Fluent English - written and verbal
Full driver's license
#J-18808-Ljbffr